For years, organizations relied on legacy tools like Microsoft InfoPath, Microsoft Access Forms, and HCL Notes (formerly Lotus Notes) to build custom forms and automate workflows. These platforms served their purpose in their time—but times have changed.
With the rapid shift to cloud computing, Microsoft 365, and modern digital workplaces, these outdated systems are becoming roadblocks to innovation. Maintaining and supporting legacy form tools is costly, time-consuming, and increasingly risky.
So what’s the best path forward?
Let’s compare the most common legacy form platforms to a modern alternative: NITRO Studio—a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective solution built specifically for Microsoft 365 and Teams.
The Problem with Legacy Form Platforms
| Legacy Tool | Key Issues |
|---|---|
| InfoPath | Discontinued by Microsoft, lacks mobile support, poor integration, complex to maintain |
| Microsoft Access Forms | Desktop-only, not designed for the cloud, difficult to scale across teams |
| HCL Lotus Notes | Requires specialized knowledge, limited cloud support, costly to maintain |
| SharePoint Designer | Deprecated, limited capabilities, security concerns |
These platforms often rely on outdated architectures that don’t align with modern IT strategies, especially as organizations embrace cloud-first and Microsoft 365 environments. Additionally, the lack of ongoing support or updates introduces security and compliance concerns.
Why NITRO Studio is the Best Way to Modernize Legacy Forms
NITRO Studio, developed by Crow Canyon Software, is purpose-built to solve the modernization challenge. Here’s why it stands out:
✅ Built for Microsoft 365 and Teams
NITRO Studio runs natively within your SharePoint and Microsoft 365 environment. This ensures seamless integration, better security, and high user adoption—since users already know the platform.
✅ No-Code / Low-Code Form Builder
NITRO Studio empowers business users and IT teams alike to create dynamic, responsive forms without writing code. This dramatically reduces development time and dependency on hard-to-find skillsets.
✅ Mobile-Friendly, Modern UX
Whether on desktop, tablet, or mobile, NITRO forms are fully responsive—unlike InfoPath or Access Forms which were never designed with mobile in mind.
✅ Advanced Workflow Automation
From simple approvals to complex multi-stage processes, NITRO’s powerful workflow engine allows for rich automation, eliminating manual steps and improving efficiency.
✅ Cost-Effective & Scalable
With flexible licensing and no per-user fees, NITRO Studio offers a significantly lower total cost of ownership compared to maintaining outdated systems—or transitioning to expensive enterprise solutions.
✅ Future-Proof and Actively Supported
Unlike discontinued or stagnant platforms, NITRO Studio is under active development, with continuous updates that align with Microsoft’s roadmap and evolving business needs.
Real-World Use Case
One organization replaced hundreds of InfoPath forms with NITRO Studio in their Microsoft 365 tenant. The result? A streamlined, secure, mobile-friendly experience for end users—along with major savings on licensing, support, and development costs.
Another government agency moved off HCL Notes entirely using NITRO’s form and workflow tools, avoiding vendor lock-in and reducing IT overhead.
Don’t Just Replace—Modernize
Modernizing isn’t just about swapping tools. It’s about rethinking how forms and workflows should function in today’s cloud-first, mobile-enabled world.
NITRO Studio doesn’t just replicate legacy functionality—it enhances it with better usability, deeper integration, and broader automation.
Final Thoughts
Legacy platforms like InfoPath, Microsoft Access Forms, and HCL Lotus Notes served us well, but they no longer meet the needs of modern organizations. NITRO Studio offers a powerful, future-ready alternative that leverages your investment in Microsoft 365—while delivering a better experience for users and IT alike.
Ready to leave legacy forms behind?
Let’s talk to see how NITRO Studio can help your organization modernize with confidence.
